Newby question

[Applefanboy]

hi, I'm kind of a newby. I am going to be shooting a childs birthday party with a d40 and a 18-135mm nikkor I was wondering if anyone could offer any usefull advice?

 

[jstuedle]

First, hi and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you here. Second, is this just a few snapshots or a formal party shot for money. It makes all the difference in the world how we answer. To get the best snapshots, I would set your camera on ISO 200, 400 max and the camera on A (aperture priority mode) and set the lens on f/8 - f/5.6. If using the pop-up flash, you will not have much more than about 10 to 12 ft. range. If you can get a SB-600 or SB-800 flash, your results can be much better by angling the flash head 45 degrees toward the ceiling and using bounce flash. This reduces the harsh shadows from flash. These more powerful flashes will give you a lot more range and give a more pro look to the pics..

 

[Big Mike]

I agree, use an accessory flash and point it at the ceiling.

 

[Applefanboy]

it will be formal. Thanks for the reply, I'l think about getting a flash.